Combined bicycle and scooter



A g- 1932- J. HOLTZMAN 2 COMBINED BICYCLE AND SCOOTER Original FiledJan. 9, 1922 Patented Aug. 16, 1932 PATENT OFFICE JOHN HOLTZMAN, OF NEWYORK, N. Y.

I COMBINED BICYCLE AND SCOOTER Original application filed January 9,1922. Serial No. 528,005. Divided and this application filed July 7,192a. Serial No.120,887.

This invention relates to a combined bicycle and scooter and is adivision of my application for motor cycle, filed Jan. 9, 1922, SerialNo. 528,005.

The object of the invention is the production of a Vehicle, which can beused either as a bicycle or a scooter. Bicycles have heretofore beenproduced with a pair of aligned wheels spaced comparatively closetogether, whereby the frame supporting the wheels, the seat and thesteering handle obstructs the space between the wheels in such a waythat the rider cannot mount the vehicle by positioning himself insaidspace. I provide in my improved bicycle, a clear, unobstructed spacebetween the wheels; first, by making the wheels of comparatively smalldiameter, thereby giving more roombetween them without substantiallylengthening the vehicle; second, by providing a low, substantiallyhorizontal frame between the wheels; third, by supporting the ridersseat, by suitable mechanism connected to the rear part of the frame andto the rear axle, and at a substantial height above the rear wheel andfourth, by placing the pedomotive means or foot pedals on the horizontalframe and comparatively close to the rear axle. Various advantages arisefrom this construction, such as the location of the center of gravity ofthe vehicle close to the ground enabling easy balancing, the possibilityof easy mounting of the vehicle, its adaptability for use as a scooterwhen it is not desired to operate the pedals and other advantages whichwill appear as the description progresses and from the drawing.

In the accompanying drawing Fig. 1 represents a side elevation of anexemplification of the combined bicycle and scooter and Fig. 2 shows atop plan view of Fig. 1.

A frame20 has formed therewith at about its middle portion, a platformas 21, though it will be understood that the platform may be omitted ifdesired. 3 At the front end of the frame 20 is formed the arm 22 whichengages the sleeve 23, in which sleeve is rotatably supported, thesteering post 105. Said post has formed therewith a bifurcated lower end106 terminating in the journal bearingsll07. The collars 130 and 131 onsaid post serve to maintain the steering post in proper operativeposition on the sleeve 23. The rear end of the said frame has formedtherewith the bifurcated end having thefi vided suitable mechanism foradjustably sup- I porting the seat 63. Said mechanism forms no part ofthe present application and hence need not be described in detail. Inview of the small diameter of the wheels of my improved vehicle ascompared with those of the go bicycles heretofore used, the sa d seat 63is preferably arranged a distance above the rear wheel 35 approximatelyequal or greater than the radius of said wheel. Further, in

extent between the wheels, said wheels are preferably spaced apart adistance greater than the diameter of either wheel. The front wheel 136is mounted on a suitable axle 135, which is journalled in the bearings107 in the usual manner.

A journal bracket 81 is supported upon and preferably fastened to theplatform 21, and is operatively connected to the seat 63 by means whichneed not be here described in detail, but which acts as a cushioningstrut for transmitting part of the weight of the rider to the frame 20.

A journal bracket 92 is supported upon and preferably fastened to theplatform 21. A shaft 93 is journalled to the journal bracket 92 and hasfastened thereto one end each of the crank arms 94, and to the latterare pivoted the foot pedals 95. For operating the vehicle by foot power,the usual sprocket wheels connected ,in the usual manner by a sprocketchain are provided on the shaft 93 andth'e rear axle 30.

In case the user desires to start the cycle when seated on the seat 63,he locates his feet order to provide a clear space of sufficient 175 onthe foot pedals 95 and through the intervening connections, turns therear wheels 35.

Various modifications may be made in the invention and the presentexemplificat-ion is to be taken as illustrative and not limitativethereof.

I claim:

1. In a vehicle of the character described wherein the balance is whollymaintained by the rider, the combination of a frame having a platform, arear wheel journaled in the frame, a front wheel j ournaled in thevehicle, pedal propelling means to drive one of said wheels including asprocket wheel, pedals and a chain, a seat in the vehicle, meansconnecting the seat and frame and forming a support for the same, themajor portions of the space above and the space at both sides of saidplatform being free and unobstructed to enable the rider to drive thevehicle in standing or sitting position at will.

2. A bicycle having a front wheel and a rear wheel normally in alignmentwith each other, a. step between said wheels and having provision forreceiving a riders foot in the common vertical plane of said wheels, aseat,

and pedal-operated mechanism connected to one of said wheels, said seatbeing mounted on said bicycle in position. for operation of saidmechanism by arider seated thereon, the space above and at both sides ofsaid step being free and unobstructed.

3. A bicycle having a front wheel and a rear wheel normally in alignmentwith each other, a step between said wheels for receiving a riders footin the common vertical plane of said wheels, a seat mounted in alignmentwith said wheels, and a handle bar connected to said front wheel andbeing operable either from said seat or from said step, the

space above and at both sides of said step.

being free and unobstructed.

4. In a vehicle of the character described,

ported by the frame, a single small front wheel, pedomotive means fordriving one of said wheels including a sprocket and pedal device, and ashaft, and a standard on said platform for supporting said device forrotation above the platform, a seat, and means on the frame forsupporting said seat, the major portions of the space above and thespace at both sides of said platform being free and unobstructed toenable the rider to drive the vehicle in standing or sitting position atwill.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification.

JOHN HOLTZMAN.

wherein the balance is wholly maintained q by the rider, the combinationof a frame, a

rear wheel journalled in the frame, a front wheel journalled in thevehicle and normally in alignment with said rear wheel, a platformformed with the frame for a rider to'stand upon, a seat above theplatform, a seatsupporting element interposed between the platform andthe seat, and revoluble propelling means associated with the platform topropel said rear wheel including a sprocket wheel and pedals arrangedwith the centers of rotation thereof above the platform, the majorportions of the space above and the space at both sides of said platformbeing free and unobstructed to enable the rider to drive the vehicle instanding or sitting position at will.

5. 'In a vehicle of the character described wherein the balance iswholly maintained by the rider, the combination of a frame having aplatform extending beyond the sides of the frame, a single small rearwheel sup-

